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Edison levy passage would eliminate pay-to-play

The Edison school board vowed to eliminate pay-to-participate fees and to hire elementary teachers if voters approve the district’s May tax levy.

Anonymous

Milan

Feb 23, 2013

Board members made the commitment during a meeting Wednesday, citing increased elementary class sizes, particularly in second and third grade.

Edison Schools did not replace one retiring teacher in both grades this academic year. Their student-to-teacher ratio is currently about 28-to-1, but 25-to-1 or less is ideal, superintendent Tom Roth said.

“We’ve heard concerns from parents,” Roth said. “If student numbers remain high and the levy passes, we would like to hire, possibly in both grade levels.”

Voters will decide the fate of a 7.9-mill emergency operating levy on the May ballot. Board members contemplated levies ranging from 4.9 to 7.9 mills in January.

Comments

tiredofthecrap

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 10:23am

big deal!

bobshumway92

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 10:30am

Vote No!

luvblues2

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 10:31am

Moderators have removed this comment because it contained Profane, obscene, sexual or derogatory language.

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 10:54am

I refuse to be held hostage by intimidation
I am still voting NO
Whining and threats.
They can do their budget in pencil
I do

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 10:54am

I refuse to be held hostage by intimidation
I am still voting NO
Whining and threats.
They can do their budget in pencil
I do

bobshumway92

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 10:56am

So they want all the taxpayers to foot the bill for all the extra carriculars instead of the parents of the kids

whopper2011

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 10:57am

The no "pay for play" is great for families that have kids that go to Edison schools & participate in extra curricular activities, but not-so-great for the other people in the district who don't have kids(seniors, childless couples, singles)- VOTE NO!!!

Truth or Fiction

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:05am

Your District has continually cut in an attempt to offset the reductions that all districts have faced in State funding. In eight years the cumulative affect to your district has amounted to $7million+ in lost funding(that means that more than seven million dollars has been taken away from your distict in an 8-year period). That's a pretty big deficit to make up but from what I've seen your district has done a pretty good job. Instead of throwing darts, why don't you work with them. Now that's a novel idea, a community working together for the betterment of the community.

Edwin Ison

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:45am

Vote yes!

CAST THE FIRST STONE

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 8:32am

your comments are all over the place. now vote yes..really

Edwin Ison

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 8:46am

Not all over the place...if nothing else over the last few years I've been totally consistent. I'm also not so rigid in my thought process that I cannot change my vote. I guess at this point I'm willing to give in and vote yes.
Not totally happy, but if we want to keep our schools intact, a yes vote is needed.
If the school board thinks those of us who are switching to a yes vote are fully satisfied with their handling of the district, guess again. It is out of necessity that we vote yes. But there will be renewals coming, so be careful!

Edwin Ison

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 8:49am

Also, it seems that a no vote aligns me with a certain crowd here that I don't wish to be on the same team with...lol
I am not a tea party freak....just putting that out there :)
Some of you no no no guys and gals are your own worst enemies.

CAST THE FIRST STONE

Mon, 02/25/2013 - 6:11pm

you are a wolf in sheeps clothing. at least weare who we are

Maggdi

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 9:05pm

Just for clarification Erwin: Are the 'no no no guys and gals' Chicken Little's or Noah's?

Truth or Fiction

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:15am

Before you try and use the article to create another firestorm, look at why they addressed the pay-to-participate and teacher ratios in the first place. It's because other citizens in your community are concerned and brought it the the Board's attention.

No one is being held hostage! Quit trying to inflame the populace. As for those who do not have kids in the district, who would want to buy your home if you didn't have a good school system? Look at it another way. If your home is worth $100,000 in a good district, I bet you couldn't get $70,000 in a failing district. Let's see $250 dollars vs. a $30,000 loss in equity. I think I would side with supporting the school district.

kal-el

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:39am

This generation of adults are selfish and lack any sense of civic responsibility. As if our parents and grandparents didn't pay taxes to support us when were were kids? As if they didn't struggle make ends meet? And taxes, esp federal taxes, were MUCH higher for them.

Grow up, people. It's the best school academically in the area by far. I'm not sure what else the school board can do.

CAST THE FIRST STONE

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 8:34am

ok teach we will keep paying your high scale way..NOT

Filter

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 7:01pm

So do you stand outside of basketball, football, baseball stadiums and picket cause they make millions of dollars for mere weeks of work? Teachers, firefighters, EMT's and police are the backbone of this society...yet we wine about how much money they make. I would rather give a teacher a million dollars any day over and overpaid sports "star." VOTING YES!

bobshumway92

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:17am

Vote No!

Filter

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 7:04pm

Your comment really doesn't have much effectiveness if you simply scream no. Why? Is it the fact that they have cut millions of dollars over the years, that their teachers are 2nd to lowest in pay in Erie County? No...is just that...a no...without something to support it.

Myhouse

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:19am

Vote YES!

bobshumway92

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:26am

Has no chance

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:26am

I have cut cable, internet, my car died and I cannot afford to replace it. I cannot affidavit to pay to play!
Many fincoal reversals also in district
Tell what
They get me cable and I will vote YES
How does that sound to ya
Sorry using phone no internet
Oh and phone is prepaid
Thank you
Kat

Perkahontas

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 9:42pm

It sounds like you can't afford your current lifestyle, levy or no. Have you considered just selling your house and getting a rental? Don't act like the levy is the source of your problems.

Truth or Fiction

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:31am

I am truly sorry for your misfortune but your misfortune is not a reason to destroy what took decades to build. It's not like your district is spending money foolishly. It's quite the opposite. You have the lowest tax rate, the lowest pay, the fewest number of support staff but yet you have maintained a solid educational system.

nosey rosey

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:32am

Extra curriculars should be totally funded by the parents of the children who participate. No budget or levy money should be used for any of it. Time to teach children how the real world works.

tankman12

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:18pm

Hilarious post nose rose

nosey rosey

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 12:59pm

You must think it's hilarious because you aren't smart enough to understand that school systems are out of control and find that sports are more important than what they are actually supposed to be doing. Properly educated children would make a difference in this world. Winning a game will not.

Filter

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 7:05pm

My hard earned tax dollars funding well rounded students...GASP!

Myhouse

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:37am

Read the article you are talking about $80,000. Without the levy the district will be millions in debt in just a few years.

Truth or Fiction is making sense from a nonemotional factual base.

As for teaching the children, the district has done a pretty good job of it without spending a whole lot of money.

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:37am

INFLAME THE POPULACE
don't have to
Are you saying these folk are sheeples who cannot think for themselves
Come on
I can read and so can few other folks
Do you not see the headline as intimidating?
This is my story and I am sticking to it
VOTE NO
thank you

tiredofthecrap

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:37am

Pay to Play has been a joke from the start. First of all it is not pay to play. It is pay to participate. Paying all that money does not mean you are going to get to play... Unless of course you are the child of the principle or a coach. Again. VOTE NO!

luvblues2

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:04pm

The more you pay, the more your kid gets to play.

tankman12

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:22pm

Unfairly put. Keep in mind, most of the kids who play more are better because they were managers growing up and are in fact more skilled than others. Just being honest.

luvblues2

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:46pm

We will agree to disagree. Can't be anymore honest than that.

Outofwork

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:44pm

ABSOLUTELY NOT A TRUE STATEMENT....

tiredofthecrap

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:45am

re Kat.. truth or fiction could care less if you were homeless and living in a box as long as the staff at the school keeps getting those perks that were set up for them decades ago. Time is up and we can no longer sustain them. They can cry and complain till the cows come home but we have spoke. Enough! NO!

Truth or Fiction

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:46am

Tired-
So in summary, your anger is to be brought upon everyone's house.

I am not going to tell you how to vote in Edison. I see you are free with your advice. I will say this. Your district cannot continue to lose money and expect to provide the education your community has come to know. Before you decide look at the facts:

- 8 years no new money
- 8 years the State has reduced funding to your district
- 8 years your district has cut more than $3m from its budget
- Your district is running out of money

Your right! The decision is up to the people of Berlin-Milan.

Outofwork

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:48pm

Agreeing to staff paying into their own retirement and giving it back to them in wages is NOT showing good faith! CUTS are just that, CUTS aka LESS!

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:47am

LETS DO IT FOR THE KIDDIES IS OLD
all I see is a typical Milan attitude of keeping up appearances
I am sorry for the school
I cannot lose my home for the kiddies
And many other folks in this district has suffered financially,kids will be educated,
Just need to suck it up and male that a priority
Sans extracurriculars

Filter

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 7:07pm

So are you blaming the school for your misfortunes...seems a bit harsh doesn't it?

Edwin Ison

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:51am

It seems that finally the board has listened to me. I actually feel that the conversations with several board members actually had an effect on their thought process.
Elimination of pay to play allows me to afford the levy.
It's a yes from me.

Outofwork

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:54pm

That's interesting--- Isn't the pay to participate there $125 per child per sport (High School level) with a cap of $500 per family? The levy is 7.9 mill for 5 years, and even with that passing didn't the one article say they would be back in the red in 2 or 3 years???? Then what? Another levy? You people better wake up over there.

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:51am

And they are as smart as I believe they are
VOTE NO
Do you even live in the district?
Are you a district educator?
I am not angry
I am a realist

Edwin Ison

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:08pm

I live in the district.
I am a garbage man.
I have kids in the district.
It's time.
Vote yes.

Filter

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 7:08pm

You are very negative...your only real response to all of this is just NO...no reason why...why no?

BlueAngel

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:52am

Dear Truth.........MIND your own business.......no one can affored higher taxes to to satisfy the teachers.....so move along and stay out of our school district!! I AM VOTING NO AS I HAVE DONE ALL THE OTHER TIMES...

Myhouse

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:54am

What we have now, will not be here tomorrow if we continue to tear each other down. The ending balance for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013 (this summer) is a negative $74k. The following year, beginning July 1, 2014 the projected deficit of $2.5m without the levy. Beginning July 1, 2015 without the levy, the district is facing a $5.5m deficit.

Unlike other districts, the Board and Administration have been good stewards of our money.

It is time to VOTE YES!

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 11:59am

How nice for you
What about those folks on limited income who are not are not concerned with pay to play
Just trying to make ends meet
Such a typical snovbbish all about me attitude
SO MILAN

Truth or Fiction

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:01pm

No one can afford it! Come on. You have members of your community facebooking that as they vacation in the warmer climates - that's why they vote NO!

You cannot expect your district to continue to take on unfunded mandates, reductions in State funding, as well as other obligations without funding.

I filled my car up this morning. It cost me $43. You are saying you won't fund your schools for the price of tank fill up.

Come on!

Fromthe419

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 10:30pm

Hold on for one second. So you are saying if someone has a choice of a family vacation or a tax increase they should vote for the tax increase? I'm on the fence right now, but that attitude will push many of those to the NO side. When people are making less, taxes are going up, food and energy prices are on the rise they should tighten their belt and vote yes? Stop the unfunded mandates from Washington and most of our problems would go away. They make the rules and make the communities try to figure how to pay for it. Heck, Washington won't be happy until they have 100 percent of our income. Sign of the times folks, Federal Gov't, State Gov't and Local Gov't are broke...their only source of income is YOU.

I have talked to many friends, and it seems as though this issue may be a tipping point.
I will vote yes this time... and continue to address ongoing concerns with administration and the board.
I am sure the board has finally come to a realization that things must change to continue to have the tough votes tip in favor of the district.
My vote is a yes. But I'll be watching.

Outofwork

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 12:00am

Did you see that they announced the staff would be paying for their retirement pick up but that they gave it back to them in wages????? NOT good stewards of funding .... Once they get you this time it's in STONE for 5 years, you watching, won't make a hill of beans....

Myhouse

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:07pm

I agree with Edwin. I believe we are at the tipping point. I will vote YES but will continue to hold the Board to responsible use of our money.

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:10pm

The yes folks have kiddies in the school
When they are old kids out of school
See how their tune will change.
We are taxed enough.
VOTE NO

Filter

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 7:12pm

So who funded you when you were in school? When you went to school did you not have extra circulars...I'm guessing you went to school...but now that the shoe is on the other foot you turn your back to all of the students that are in school now? This is the 21st century...times change...prices of goods change...the world changes...its time to keep doing our part...

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:14pm

NO
NO
NO
NO
vote with your head and your pocketbook

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:16pm

Truth or fiction
Wow you have a car
Bully for you

I'm Done

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:17pm

I do have to say, that at least it seems your board is upfront. Try dealing with the Perkins board. They are not only spending money against the wishes of residents: stadium, computers, moving inside millage, they are now threatening major cuts to sports, teachers and so forth to get their levy passed to build a new building that would require another levy to cover operating expenses. If the levies don't pass? They state that they are still going to build.

Lil DAB

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:24pm

WHO VOTES FOR MORE TAXES?

IN GENERAL...'YES' voters are people that aren't paying any property taxes, that are unemployed. They are renters; they could be teachers worried about losing their jobs, their spouses; students that are 18 or older may have been induced to vote Yes. These so-called "supporters" will vote for levies that landlords and taxpayers are possibly subsidizing their income via WIC, or other government assistance.

For a certain great percent of kids, workers and retirees are footing the bill for their education.

The "supporters" merely VOTE as their 'support' mechanism. The TRUE supporters own property and work. The TRUE supporters already are committed to the schools and your child's education and teachers income with their taxes! TRUE supporters have every RIGHT to protect any further plundering of their income from "yes" voters by . . .

VOTING NO!

It's not a vote for the kids. It's a vote for real estate, over paid administrators and a bandaid for their lack of budget skills.

Filter

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 7:15pm

People vote for new taxes...to help fund a new generation of thinkers. Thinkers that will someday find a cure for cancer...I own property and I am also employed and I am voting a big fat YES for this... A dollar a few decades ago is worth a lot more then a dollar is worth today...times have changed...we need to open up our dusty pocketbooks and help

Truth or Fiction

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:24pm

Before everyone gets angry with me, let me say this. It is difficult times. I know this. People have lost money and had to make difficult decisions, myself included. I mean no disrespect to anyone who has posted, I simply try to address things with facts rather than emotion. I have found that in my 60+ years this approach has served me well.

I have always looked at the Berlin-Milan system as kind of a positive model. It was two communities that came together and pooled their resources to provide a solid education for its youth. I have met many of your graduates, many who have gone on to repay society in valued professions. Your district was never about flashy things, just good solid common sense. Take what you got and make it work - three school buildings, grass football field (the way it should be) and dedicated staff. That is your formula for success.

I have looked at your district's financials (sorry, I am a counter - math oriented) and while they have done good with what they have been given time is running out. Those with options will move somewhere else, others will be caught in the storm; unfortunately, that includes children.

tankman12

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:31pm

Few things I am curious of..
1) The likelihood that Edison will close its doors if levies continue to fail?
2) The value of homes if there is no school district?
3) Where will students go if this happens?
4) Will families be willing to drive their kids to school and pick them up each day, using their own gas and time if this were to happen?

tell it how it is

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:33pm

Will continue voting YES until it passes.

That's all I have to say on the subject this time. There's too many angry, ignorant fools on this who refuse to look at the big picture or really think through their decisions. No point in arguing anymore.

Lil DAB

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 1:57pm

I am humored by who is name calling on here and that you, tell it how it is, would think any of us HAS NOT looked at the big picture! Why would you think we did not do our research? What makes you, tell it how it is, think we have not thought through our decision how to vote?
An informed citizen makes the best voter! Just trying to help you out, tell it how it is.
"Question with boldness..."
- Thomas Jefferson

tell it how it is

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 1:13pm

So does an educated one, and I had to re-read your post 3 times because of all of the grammatical errors.

You must not have gone to Edison Lil DAB.

Lil DAB

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 1:55pm

Wasn't trying to be grammatical, name caller. I laugh at the people on here that can only comment on grammar, spelling, punctuation etc. Because they cannot argue the content of the message, they attack otherwise. So you, tell it how it is, just must be a bully.
VOTE NO

Myhouse

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 12:48pm

We need to Vote Yes.

Truth or Fiction

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 1:00pm

Lil Bab-
I too am a student of history and our great country. Jeffersonian democracy stongly supported States rights but even Mr. Jefferson saw the importance of education.

"An investment n knowledge pays the best interest." Benjamin Franklin

Truth or Fiction

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 1:03pm

Lil Dab-
I too am a student of history and our great country. Jeffersonian democracy strongly supported States rights but even Mr. Jefferson saw the importance of education.

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." Benjamin Franklin

Lil DAB

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 1:27pm

You got it TOF. That's why we knowledgeable commenters have researched various districts and the importance of where our tax dollars are going and HOW they are being spent. When it is MY money I worked hard to earn & is is being plundered from my account without my approval, I have every right to say something.
The importance of education is getting LOST by these over paid administrators. Through careless spending on real estate, buildings, events and leaving the education of children left behind.
VOTE NO

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 1:06pm

I am neither ignorant nor a fool
I am a realist
tried if them taking away and giving back to garner votes
That is intimidating plain and simple
Academicily yes Edison at one time was excellent, sports took front and center
Academics has not been mentioned
Just pay and participate
Perkins has no bearing on this issue.
Please do the research and be informed voters
Your No vote will then mean No
Read the headline
Remember the busing fiasco and how well that worked
Mr ison
God bless you,love my garbage men
My questions were for truth or fiction
Which he has not answered
Trust me, I am no stranger to Milan
Their attitude and thinking
That's why I left
You have great library
They could be a good source to research
Hearts, heads or pocketbook
The choice is yours
Use them wisely

Filter

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 7:17pm

Smaller class sizes was JUST one of the many things EDUCATIONAL wise that was offered up...

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 2:17pm

I am a Norwalk resident, stuck voting in the BM school district
I do not live at rustic hills
Just clarify, and so what if I did, those folks pay taxes too
Not every voter lives at Edison Ridge

Swamp Fox

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 2:27pm

When you read the school website it infers that the teachers are now paying their full share of retirement, wrong they only agreed to pay a very small percentage. Their health insurance pick up was increased slightly but still is far below what most of the taxpayers are paying. The median income of teachers is now higher than the median income of the same folks who are paying their salaries. Extracurriculars pay, some staff members increase their salary by 25%-33% more with this supplemental income that also increase the boards pension pick up. Edison administration continues to use smoke & mirrors, vote no until they are honest with ALL the facts...

Centauri

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 2:54pm

The comments about the Edison and Perkins school taxes are interesting to read. I see the "haves" and "have nots" posting various comments to either vote yes or no. It appears to me that the "have nots" are too poor to pay additional taxes and the "haves" or those who can afford to pay additional taxes or school costs for non-essentials want the poor to pay more.

In order for schools to have enough money for education, schools need to trim the fat and stop waste of taxpayer money. It is easy to spend somebody else's money if it doesn't come out of your own wallet.

This is an example of how one school in Chicago wasted taxpayer money. If the individuals were limited to meal expenses or had to pay out of their own pockets, this waste would not occur.

http://www.dailyherald.com/artic...
"Batavia Unit District 101 Superintendent Jack Barshinger wasn't expecting to cover the $1,929.75 tab at Morton's Steakhouse in Chicago for several of the district's board members, administrators and some family members during November's statewide school leadership conference.

Despite the unexpected cost, it didn't stop members of the 16-person entourage from ordering items like a $57 New York strip steak dinner, five $15 lobster bisques and two “hot chocolate cake” desserts at $14.50 each. It would have been three cake desserts, but one was comped by Morton's to celebrate a “retirement” in the group, according to the receipt provided by the district as part of a Freedom of Information Act request. Barshinger is stepping down at the end of the year."

brutus matthews

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 2:57pm

I'm not originally from the area. My wife and I moved here and we have kids in the school system. Yes, there are cliques in Milan (as in all small towns). Yes, there is small town politics (as in every small town).
I am about as fiscally conservative as one can be, but some people are taking things too far. What do you expect schools and towns to do now? Yes, I am pissed about the water rates that are going up as well. And I am sure it will hurt the chances of passing the levy. Fact of the matter is, the school has done everything it can to control costs. Stop with the teachers being greedy argument. Do any of you even know that at year 1 and at year 20 Edison teachers have one of the lowest pay rates in the state? It's not the teachers. The facts are the facts people. The state has drastically cut funding the past 8 years. They've lost more than half of their state funding in 8 years. It is just physically impossible to make that up.
Will the school close down if the levy doesn't pass? I don't know. Will home values decrease? I don't know. Home values have slid for the past 8 years, so it is hard to imagine it decreasing more. The bigger picture is this, kids need an education. The state and federal government is mandating more and more, and giving them the schools less and less to cover those mandates. It falls then on the taxpayers. It is unfair, but Edison schools is not coming up with all these mandates. The teachers aren't coming up with them. The students aren't coming up with them. But all three will suffer as a result of them, and as result of continuing to vote down levies.
I am not naive enough to think I persuaded anyone into voting for it bc i know everyone will vote their pocketbook, but remember, these kids however smart or dumb they are will eventually be left to be our doctors, our police force, and our government. We decide how much we want to educate them.

Truth or Fiction

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 3:23pm

This is not a have or have nots issue. Schools are funded in the State of Ohio by property and/or income taxes. The Edison School District is solely dependent on "property" tax (no income tax) so when Kottage Kat says she lives in Norwalk but is "stuck" in Edison that means she doesn't pay income tax. Now if she lived in the Norwalk school district she would pay both - property (if she owned property) and income tax.

Swamp fox is again WRONG! The new contract eliminates retirement pickup. Your teachers did not get any new money, in fact there is a net loss to the teachers over the next two years. All districts pay coaches for coaching athletic teams. Using Swamp Fox's logic, you get rid of all athletic teams and reduce costs. Unfortunately, this thought leads to further loss of State funding. How you ask? Because those students who can - leave to play sports, band, etc in other districts that have those extras. The district loses more State funding per pupil. Ask Sandusky about the millions they lost in State funding when students left for open enrollment.

Some of you in your district keep trying to make an issue where none exists. First it was your BOE, then nobody believed or liked the Superintendent so he retired, then the teachers got dragged in the mud when effective July 1, 2013, they are the second lowest paid in the County.

Swamp Fox

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 4:50pm

Truth of fiction check you facts the teachers are only picking a small portion of the pension costs, why mislead, afraid of the facts. The schools should focus all their funding on academics, the extracurriculars should be self funded through pay to pay and support of boosters. How would lose of athletic and other extracurriculars lead to lose of state funding? Where are they going to transfer? What other district does not have either present or future funding issues? All school boards should be in the business of education, not sports and band. When the economy and tax base allowed it was nice to have the extras, but in today's world lets focus on education. Housing values and many good paying jobs will not return to this area anytime in the near future, all levels of goverment must learn to operate with reduced funding.

Outofwork

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 12:12am

Retirement was picked up by the staff but they WERE GIVEN IT BACK IN MONEY.... Is that what you mean by there was no NEW MONEY GIVEN? If so, that's not a cut, sacrifice, or working in good faith in my book....

Kottage Kat

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 12:52pm

I am retired
Pay taxes
Do you live in the district?
The answer to this question would go a long way in validating yoyu comments and support to your opinion
Thank you
Kat

tiredofthecrap

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 4:30pm

Moderators have removed this comment because it contained Personal attacks (including: name calling, presumption of guilt or guilt by association, insensitivity, or picking fights), Personal information, and Libel and defamation.

brutus matthews

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 5:20pm

It has become apparent that you cannot argue with people who are unable to deal with facts. I understand "TIRED" that your income has gone down and your taxes have gone up. However, making up illogical statements about teachers wanting hand-outs is ridiculous and shows you don't understand the facts or don't care to know the facts. I voted in favor of SB5. I felt it allowed schools to do the things they needed to do to help get their budgets under control. However, regardless that it did not pass, the latest contract with the school board and edison teachers union showed that the teachers gave up plenty. They did their part.
Some people will never be happy. I don't know what you or Kottage want to see. As I said before, I am very fiscally conservative, but there are things you should support. I have no idea how old you or Kottage are, but one day the both of you (as will I if it is still there) will be getting Medicare and SSI checks. These same kids who you are voting to take away their "entitlements" (as you see them) might vote to take away yours (and mine). Being fiscally responsible doesn't mean cutting everything to its bare bones and providing the bare minimum. If that were the case, we all would be in trouble, bc our employers if they chose to be as fiscally responsible as you are would cut their employees to the bare minimum. Pay minimum wage, and provide zero benefits.
I get it. We all want the public sector to work just like the private sector, but it can't. You're right, you cannot tax the private to death to pay for the public sector. Yes, many public sector unions have been greedy as hell in the past, too. However, this is not the case here. By the way, I know everyone wants to make the claim that teachers are making more and getting better benefits than most of those people paying for them, but did you ever stop to think about what you're talking about there. Your teachers have graduated from college. They have a higher education. 23.5% of Milan and 20% of Berlin Heights population has a bachelors or higher education. That's why many people are making less than teachers. Because somewhere people decided to roll the dice and see if they could make more money in trades vs becoming a professional through college means. As of right now, most jobs pay more for having that college degree. Don't hold that against those who chose that path.
Learn the facts, discuss the facts.

Outofwork

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 12:23am

"Being fiscally responsible doesn't mean cutting everything to its bare bones and providing the bare minimum." Maybe not in your household or place of employment, but in MOST, this most definitely is what it means, LOOK around you, companies are cutting jobs, expecting more out of the bare minimum staff that they have, cutting benefits, cutting hourly pay... You are OUT OF TOUCH my friend.... Your district just changed the way they allocate the money- they are going to take it from them on the retirement and give it right back to them in pay. What this also means is it really costs the taxpayer more money with it going in wages instead of retirement.

Truth or Fiction

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 5:16pm

If you are trying to make it personal, I don't have a dog in your hunt. As for the reference to the VACATION in the sun, it was not a retiree. Young and vibrant person it was. May have thought it was funny. Maybe just wanted to get a rise out of someone but not appropriate.

Tired as you well know all workers put into a federal or state retirement fund. Most of us contributed to the social security system where we had 7+ percent over the years taken out of our wages until you reached a max figure in earnings. I never reached that max so I can't tell you what it was. My employers also contributed to the SS system on my behalf.

Same set of circumstances for your teachers, your firemen, your police officers, your public officials. They have a percentage of their wages taken each pay and sent to the retirement system PERS (Public Employees Retirement System) or STRS (State Teachers Retirement System). Your teachers had accepted a percentage pickup several decades ago in exchange for a lower pay rate. It saved the district money as the district saved on percentage payouts for work comp, insurance, etc because the payroll was lower. The new contract corrected that and removed the pickup from the teachers. They pay into their retirement like every other teacher in the County with the exception of EHOVE that has full pickup for its teachers retirement.

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 5:45pm

We have till may
I shall prevail
As is my right
And yours
Thanks to all for a very good discussion
Kat

Myhouse

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 5:32pm

I have not seen where TorF has called anyone a name. What are you talking about?

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 5:39pm

Please note
I clarified by saying all remarks were NOT directed to him.
I hope this clears this up for you
Sorry you were confused
kat

2487

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 5:40pm

S

2487

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 5:45pm

So they pass the levy, hire more teachers, and then come back next year saying they are out of money. It doesn't make sense to hire more staff when according to their own figures the new levy won't even cover the projected deficit next year. The pay to play give back is simply a way to buy votes, IMO.

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 5:48pm

Removed my remarks due to confusion

Kottage Kat

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 5:53pm

How many graduates with degrees have returned to this area to pay taxes and give back to community that helped educate them?

brutus matthews

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 6:34pm

To all my fellow conservatives and those tea partiers of which I consider myself to be; you may win this battle, but you are losing the war. I once stood strong with you all for I believed in limited government and fiscal responsibility, however it is becoming more and more clear to many that it is not just about being fiscally responsible, but for many of you, it is about saying "no" to everything. You get what you deserve in all of this. Limited government does not mean no government. As I have sat and I read for the past few years the comments on topics like this, I see that the tea party I thought I was for has just turned into cut all government spending. It's a shame. What was good intentioned and had plenty of merit appears to be largely filled with anti-government, anti-spending, ill-informed people. Remember, anti-government people exist on both the far right and far left. You may not have the same ideology as them, but the end will be the same.

tell it how it is

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 9:58pm

Myself, along with my family, are very strong conservatives and have continued to vote Yes on the levy. I don't see this as a problem between political parties, but instead it's the community not being willing to come together to save their AMAZING school.

HS Sports Fan

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 7:23pm

Right? What was the price of eggs in China. Anyway since alot of the athletes at Edison are sons and daughters of faculty memebers, wouldn't eliminating the pay to play be considered a raise for them? Don't want to argue, I was just wondering.

Outofwork

Mon, 02/25/2013 - 11:39pm

Edison has no doubt taught their children how to lose with grace, GOOD THING!

teachers work 178-180 days a year unlike most who work around 280 days. average out what the salary would be for 280 days and cut all their pay..a teacher making 40g is like us making 65g.

Now The Rest of...

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 9:01am

If this levy passes I read that there will still be a deficit in 2015 for Edison Schools. If that's true why hire more teachers and do away with pay to play, wouldn't that cause even a larger deficit and a need for another large levy request?

tiredofthecrap

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 9:05am

Very True. they have the mindset they can just keep coming back for more. Enough!! Vote NO!

Truth or Fiction

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 9:43am

Budgeting three years out is like you budgeting your home budget three years out. Do you know what your expenses/income will be in three years? They have done a pretty good job adjusting their budget to stay afloat. Now you want to hold them accountable for the future too!

Come on people. You're kidding are you not?

Now The Rest of...

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 10:39am

Truth or Ficton says "Budgeting three years out is like you budgeting your home budget three years out." Yes,its their projection, any goverment or business always should be forwarding thinking and accountable in their budget. They already know they will face a deficit. Why increase you expendables knowing full well that you face a deficit in just a few years even with the passage of this levy?

emmaleewe

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 1:01pm

How can we as taxpayers be expected to pay more while we are bringing home less money because of the cutbacks that our companies have forced upon us to compete in today’s economy? The money problems at Edison will continue with or without the levy. It wasn’t that long ago they were talking about building a new school. Why can’t we see the new teachers contracts?
I think it is crazy that the teachers get all the credit for the achievements of the students. Edison has the academic reputation because of the parenting that is common in the area. I as a parent know this because my kids come home with a boat load of homework that I have to help them with. When the bell rings at the end of the day the teachers are out of there before most of the kids if it isn’t their day to bus monitor.
As far as the pay to play goes we already have been told it is pay to participate and paying will in no way guarantee your kid will play. Many of us refer to the school as Goodwin’s Country Club. Now his son is playing varsity basketball as a freshman. His wife, cousin, and who knows who else is working for our schools. Anyone that thinks being a manager (water boy) prepares you to play varsity is tanked. At Edison it’s more about who your parents are. Just look at the Matuna boy that played varsity as a freshman. Now I am told the same thing is happening with Hall’s kid. It’s hard to support this type of “good ole boy” mentality even if I could afford it.

CAST THE FIRST STONE

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 2:32pm

Moderators have removed this comment because it contained Libel and defamation.

Outofwork

Mon, 02/25/2013 - 11:52pm

That's the same head football coach who's 5' nephew was the quarterback a few years back instead of a player that was 6' something and more then capable of doing a better job... I hear it's a lost cause in that district, PARTY TOGETHER = STELLAR STAFF EVALUATIONS,regardless of the FACTS!

Truth or Fiction

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 5:12pm

Now - Thank you. You highlighted the fact that the school district is out of money.

Emma - sorry about the homework. Private or public schools, all have homework. As far as teachers being out of there, I believe that unless you walk in one's shoes, you should not draw conclusions. Regarding the play to participate, it is obvious that you are upset about an incident or incidents that have angered you.

Cast - no one said that parents are not important in a child's education. They are!

If you take your complaints, your observations, and your anger it points to one important fact. Your children are or have used your public school. You have benefited from coummunity funds that have helped to educate your children. Many people believe that public education will go on no matter what one says or does. I would not be so sure of this fact.

emmaleewe

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 6:16pm

What I was alluding to was the academic achievements not the homework. I guess your shoes want to take credit for the time we parents have put into the work you have assigned. BTW I have to say good observation that I am upset about the way teachers and coach’s kids have first chance at varsity because they have spent time as the water boy.
What it boils down to is we have made sacrifices and now it is your turn. I think the good ole boy mentality sucks but I am voting no because of money. We all have to cut back.

Truth or Fiction

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 6:54pm

Emma-
It's not my turn. I am on the downside of life. I am not a teacher, nor did I work in the public sector. I can tell you that bitterness will not build, it will only consume. As for academic achievement, I agree. A parent is a child's doorway to success. It is unfortunate that our society has lost this truism. I just cannot condone the slow destruction of the one opportunity that children of unengaged parents have - education. I would ask you to look past the anger and work to make your district a better district for education.

Now The Rest of...

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 7:35pm

Truth or Fiction, hard to believe "you don't have a dog in this race" since you have dominated posts on this subject. Plain fact is many people can't afford 7.9 mills when they have either lost their job or has seen their pay reduced and lose of benefits. Even the board of education admits within the next few years they will need more funding but still promise to spend more as a carrot to get this levy passed. Bottom line live within your present level of funding. Many taxpapyers has reduced their spending and learned to live on less, as the schools now must do. Reduce spending, spend your resources on education even if this results in less extracurriculars. Your job is to teach Johnny to read, not throw a ball, few employers will care about your athletic ability.

Truth or Fiction

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 7:47pm

Now-
I agree. Throwing a football isn't what education is about. But your district is not like Perkins. Our district has dominated the SBC for many years so I don't think of Edison as a power house in athletics. The problem is that you fixate on one point and ignore the important point. Your district is out of money! What is in your future if a levy doesn't pass? I can't predict but I can deduce this:

- More teacher layoffs and larger class sizes.

- Your district will take an advance on next years tax receipts meaning that when they go back the next year they will be x dollars in the hole.

- Your district will cut extras such as band, sports, choir, etc. to save more money.

- Students will open enroll in other districts causing further loss of state funds and increasing your debt to levels you cannot even immagine.

- As your district continues to decline they will shorten the school days with early release at 1 p.m. or maybe go to a 4-day school week to get to the bare minimum a school must offer in the State.

- Working parents will need to find other means of child care.

- More students will leave.

- Instead of 7.9 mills it will take more and more mills to bail your district out.

Hope I am wrong. Your actions will determine your future - not mine.

Now The Rest of...

Mon, 02/25/2013 - 7:18am

The sky is falling, so give us more money that we can increase spending and in two years we will be back because the sky is falling again. Your answer is pass 7.9 mills, hire more, do away with play to pay and increase your future deficient that you know is just 2 years away. Would a private business or the average taxpayer handle debt that way. Cut every unnecessary non education function, focus all your resources on academics, live within you present funding, the taxpayers are tapped out.

Maybe it is time to rethink how our local schools operate, look at earned income taxes, why should the property owners pay the entire tab. Six different school districts within Erie County, each with a superintendent, treasurer, curriculum director, athletic director,transportation director, 30 high paying administrative positions each with support staffs. Reduce to one each plus one assist for each position, we know have 10, a cut of 20, share resources, purchasing, adjust student enrollment into geographical areas that make sense, why are there Edison Students who live in the Norwalk City limits, or within sight of Huron city limits, when we turn around and bus these young students to Milan. You could keep local identity of each area for athletic purposes. Elect one board member each from the present school districts to serve on a County wide board. Sports& extracurriculars do what many other countries do, fund them through local corporate sponsorship, boosters and increased tickets sales. Whats wrong with a Ceder Point or Firelands Hospital logo on a sports uniform or band uniform?

Outofwork

Tue, 02/26/2013 - 12:00am

NO disrespect, but I literally LAUGHED OUT LOUD when I read your statement that "EDISON IS NO POWER HOUSE IN ATHLETICS". Why is it that SO MANY OTHERS know this and the powers that be in that district DON'T? While academics is by leaps and bounds of the utmost importance to most adults, kids love their sports. Those kids have to be so tired of losing.

Edwin Ison

Fri, 03/01/2013 - 7:34am

3 boys at state in wrestling right now.
Boys individual xc champion 2012.
2 SBC 1st team girls xc.
Boys 4x800 2nd at state 2012.
Several boys and girls in individual track made it to state.
2012 girls softball...awesome.
Just off the top of my head.
Sports is more than football and basketball.
The best student athletes are involved in some of the "fringe" athletics.
Take Edison XC for an example.... I am pretty sure nearly EVERY kid on the boys and girls team is on the Honor Roll each quarter.

Centauri

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 9:30pm

I want to see some PDF documents on the Ohio school websites. The taxpayers need to know the needs of the schools. If the Ohio schools are in dire straits, please show the taxpayers some PDF documents to prove need of additional taxpayer money.

Emma,
Bitter or not, You are right on the money. We are suppose to go to the meetings to voice opinions but when they don't coincide with the BOE like in Edison or Perkins, they say we are bitter. My answer, dang gone right we are bitter! We keep paying more in taxes and give raises to people with little economic sense. These same people are teaching our children. Is there any wonder why we are suffering the "Dumbing Down Effect" and now rank 26th in the World?

2cents

Mon, 02/25/2013 - 10:40am

I’m not against sports at all. I do however have some concern on how more much emphasis has been placed with sports over say 30 years ago. I remember picking my kid up from middle school, she had me wait so she could check out a text book. I said what, every student is assigned a text book, well not her school and when leaving I noticed all the lights lighting the field over at the High School field, of course this takes electricity and that costs money. Again not against sports, they teach a lot of good things but remember the priority is on academics. This might be a shift from when I was in school, but back then we also played outside, backyard football and a lot more. Today it seems like everything has to be too organized and controlled!

berlinrdgang

Mon, 02/25/2013 - 8:57pm

Why should the kids have to loose sports, the teachers and high paid Administration should be the ones to take cuts. In any other business you fall on hard times, employees and owners take paycuts... not goverment people, they keep on recievin and somebody else has to loose!

Truth or Fiction

Mon, 02/25/2013 - 9:42pm

Good night Irene!

Outofwork

Tue, 02/26/2013 - 12:07am

Average salary of a SOLDIER deployed in Afghanistan = $38,000

Average income for seniors on Social Security = $12,000

WHO needs a RAISE?

Ares

Tue, 02/26/2013 - 2:36pm

Government programs that make sense:
Military
Police
Fire
Roads
Schools
Libraries

If you are against all taxes you are against government. You are an anarchist and an enemy of order.

Being fiscally conservative does not mean you are against all taxes. If you feel squeezed by taxes currently, you need to prioritize your anger and look at where the real waste in government spending occurs. This is where uninformed members of the tea party get it wrong.

CAST THE FIRST STONE

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 6:09am

all groups are funded by tax dollars and distributed by themselves to themselves. They make the rules of how to spend our money on themselves.and it use to work but when you can get away with making rules for yourelf people get greedy. My house would be upgraded if i could pass a fix my house levy.we have had alot of medical bills so we cant so i will ask you to do it..OK

donutshopguy

Tue, 02/26/2013 - 4:22pm

Ares,

Do you believe there is no waste or redundancy in your above group? These are some of the worst offenders when it comes to bureaucratic overspending.

Ares

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 3:54pm

Of course there is waste and redundancy in government programs but if you really look at where your taxes go over half is just social security, health care and medicare. Education and transportation are actually much smaller portions than you would expect.